Summer at Friedenstein Castle: culture, creativity and enjoyment for everyone!
Discover the diverse summer events at Friedenstein Castle Gotha: culture, workshops and family activities.

Summer at Friedenstein Castle: culture, creativity and enjoyment for everyone!
July is an exciting month for all culture and leisure enthusiasts in Gotha! At Friedenstein Castle, visitors can expect a colorful program that appeals to young and old explorers alike. The Friedenstein Foundation has organized a variety of events that focus on cultural heritage and creative development. Oscar on Friday reports that the summer vacation period from July 1st to August 9th, 2025 is a highlight for students. Creative workshops and exciting events await you here in the historic walls of the castle.
A particularly attractive new format is the event series “Cake, Kneading and Culture”, which is part of the special exhibition “Gotha Genial?!” was brought into being. This not only offers delicious treats, but also interesting lectures. The next opportunity to be inspired will be on July 12th with a lecture on historical innovations by Christian Petters. Molière's “Tartuffe or The Deceiver” will also be performed at the Ekhof Theater until August 9th.
Diverse holiday program for the youngest
There are many exciting activities planned for the kids in the summer holiday program. From creating your own sculptures and 3D printing self-designed Ming dragons to digital treasure hunting with tablets - there is guaranteed to be something for everyone. The program also impresses with creative projects, such as creating animated films with digitized museum objects. Gotha Current has described the exciting topics and formats in detail.
The events take place not only in the castle, but also in the Ducal Museum, where the special exhibition “China's Gold and Gotha's Treasures - a Unique Encounter” welcomes visitors. This exhibition will be on view until January 11, 2026 and offers valuable insights into the culture and crafts of the Ming Dynasty. For an entry fee of just 8 euros, reduced to 4 euros, the exhibition is a real bargain.
Experience creativity and nature
A special highlight is the exhibition “S.O.S. Green Heart” in the Ducal Museum, regularly supported by the Thuringian Palaces and Gardens Foundation. Here the participants can work creatively with natural materials - there is also the option to print when it rains. The Thuringian Treasury has put together interesting programs that also offer animal experiences in the castle and numerous workshops.
Children can take part in upcycling projects in the art chamber to create their own treasure chests. Under the motto “Animals in the Tower”, the castle becomes a venue for creative offerings that will delight young and old. This is about modeling animals and making them out of paper and cardboard.
The events are diverse and range from one-day workshops to three-day creative projects. Registration is required to ensure that every participant can enjoy the appropriate offers. Further information and registration options can be found on the Friedenstein Foundation website.
So if you're looking for a varied summer full of culture, creativity and exciting experiences, Gotha is the right place for you. Pack your craft supplies and enjoy your holidays at Friedenstein Castle!